Bushwalks & Waterfalls
A day spent paddling beneath a family-friendly waterfall is one of the best days out – and within easy reach of Brisbane.
Breathtaking scenery, magical woodland trails and views that don’t quit, there’s just something about the waterfalls near in Tamborine Mountain that bring out the wonder and awe in all. Pack a picnic, the kids ; these are the best waterfalls and hikes on the mountain.
Joalah Section (Curtis Falls)
Tamborine National Park
Joalah is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘haunt of the lyrebird’ and this section is one of the best locations to experience the loud calls and mimicry of the male Albert’s lyrebird during Winter. View spectacular Curtis Falls plunging over basalt columns into a large rock pool, home to platypus and a fragile glow-worm colony. Swimming is prohibited at the falls. Continue along the trail through piccabeen palm-fringed creeks encompassed by giant strangler figs and moss-covered basalt rock faces, you might even come across a large land mullet basking in the sun.
Difficulty Grade: Easy – Moderate
Location: Joalah section is located at the headwaters of Cedar Creek and accessed from Dapsang Drive car park. Larger vehicle parking is available.
Eagle Heights Road access track (400m return – 10min)
Take a short walk to explore rainforest on the outer edge of Joalah. The walk links to cafes and shops on Eagle Heights Road.
Curtis Falls track (1.1km return – 30min)
This enchanting walk begins in wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums. Feel the temperature drop as you descend into lush rainforest. Look up to a ceiling of beautiful crows nest and staghorn ferns growing in the canopy above. There are over 100 steps on this walk, so be prepared for the uphill return.
Lower creek circuit (2.5km return – 1hr)
Branching off Curtis Falls track, this circuit crosses Cedar Creek, passing rainforest, rock pools, cascades and a giant, fallen strangler fig. Beyond the strangler fig, the track becomes more challenging with creek crossings that involve rock hopping.
Travel Tip: An excellent walk for a hot Summer’s day and just next to the entry of the Curtis Falls track you’ll find Lemon Lovers Gelato & Cheese. Enjoy their Gourmet Gelato and Sorbets made fresh on site using local ingredients and they also stock a variety of Pure Artisan Cheese made locally on Tamborine Mountain. They have traditional gelato flavours as well as some new unique flavours for you to try.
Cedar Creek Section (Cedar Creek Falls) Tamborine NP
With waterfalls and a large, grassy picnic area with tables and wheelchair-accessible toilets it’s easy to see why Cedar Creek is a popular family destination. Listen to rushing cascades and birdlife chirping overhead amongst the towering open eucalypt forest. For your safety, access is not permitted to some of the rock pools and parts of the gorge, as indicated by signs on site.
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Location: Cedar Creek section is located on Cedar Creek Falls Road. Parking is available in the designated car spaces only and there is no access for large buses, caravans and motorhomes.
Cedar Creek Falls lookout track (500m return – 15min)
Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls and admire views of the expansive gorge carved out by cascading waterfalls that flow down to rock pools. The track to the lookout is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance.
Cedar Creek Falls track to rock pools (1.1km return – 30min)
From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to the rock pools below. There are many steps on this walk, so be prepared for an uphill climb on your return.
The Knoll Section
Tamborine National Park
Access:
In North Tamborine, turn off “Main Western Road” into “Main Street”, continue past the shops and the residential area where it becomes “Knoll Road”, keep left when the road forks.
Sandy Creek / Cameron Falls Circuit (B2) 2.6 km return, allow 1 hour, easy grade
The track descends from the car park to the creek level through transitional rainforest with large flooded gums and Piccabeen groves. Often large black skink lizards can be seen sunning themselves on this track.
Turn right when reaching the Sandy Creek circuit, and follow the gently sloping track until the track turns sharply left, continuing along the cliff edge. You will soon reach the top of Cameron Falls via a concrete bridge crossing Sandy Creek, offering spectacular views to Mount Flinders and Brisbane.
A branch track to Cameron Falls Lookout just past the bridge enables you to truly appreciate the natural beauty of this waterfall. Complete the circuit by continuing right when returning from the branch track, crossing Sandy Creek shortly before reaching the uphill track back to the car parking area.
The Witches Falls Section
Tamborine National Park
Access:
In North Tamborine, turn off “Main Western Road” into “Main Street”, continue past the shops and the residential area where it becomes “Knoll Road”, keep left when the road forks.
Sandy Creek / Cameron Falls Circuit (B2) 2.6 km return, allow 1 hour, easy grade
The track descends from the car park to the creek level through transitional rainforest with large flooded gums and Piccabeen groves. Often large black skink lizards can be seen sunning themselves on this track.
Turn right when reaching the Sandy Creek circuit, and follow the gently sloping track until the track turns sharply left, continuing along the cliff edge. You will soon reach the top of Cameron Falls via a concrete bridge crossing Sandy Creek, offering spectacular views to Mount Flinders and Brisbane.
A branch track to Cameron Falls Lookout just past the bridge enables you to truly appreciate the natural beauty of this waterfall. Complete the circuit by continuing right when returning from the branch track, crossing Sandy Creek shortly before reaching the uphill track back to the car parking area.
Palm Grove Section
Tamborine National Park
Access:
For ease of parking, use either “Palm Grove Road” or “Curtis Falls Road”. Alternatively, this walking area can be reached by using an access track starting at the corner of Eagle Heights Road and Palm Grove Road.
Palm Grove Circuit (E/F6) 2.5km return, allow 1 hour, easy grade
Access via Curtis Road is recommended, as the access track itself offers many rewards to walkers such as giant strangler figs and amazing root formations. The track zigzags down the mountain before it flattens out to reach the beginning of the circuit. Pass peaceful palm groves and some fascinating fungi on the way.
Jenyns Circuit (F7) 4.5km return, allow 1½ hours, moderate grade
Incorporating parts of the “Palm Grove Circuit”, this circuit leads into drier eucalyptus forest. Hoop pines, brush box and grey guns abound and walkers will pass through a grove of ancient cycads. Watch for steep cliff edges and remain on the track at all times. Jenyns Falls are seasonal, with very little to no flow recorded in some of the drier winter months.
9 Eagle Heights Rd,
Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Phone: (07) 5545 1242